Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is actively working to have his name removed from presidential ballots in crucial battleground states, a move aimed at consolidating any remaining support for former President Donald Trump. Following his suspension of the campaign and endorsement of Trump on August 23, Kennedy’s influence as a potential spoiler diminished significantly over his 10-month run as an independent candidate.
Kennedy has successfully withdrawn his candidacy from ballots in Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona, and Nevada, where shifting even a small percentage of his supporters to Trump could have a significant impact. However, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled on Friday that Kennedy will remain on the ballot in that state for the November election.
This effort marks an unprecedented action for an independent or minor party candidate, raising questions about its effectiveness as the election draws near and early voting approaches. Richard Winger, a ballot access expert, noted the unusual nature of Kennedy’s withdrawals, particularly from non-swing states, leaving many puzzled about his motivations.
Critics, including representatives from MoveOn, claim that Kennedy’s actions are part of a coordinated effort with Trump to create chaos in the ballot counting process. They argue that this could provide Trump with grounds to claim the election was rigged, undermining democratic processes.
Kennedy has not commented on the ongoing legal challenges regarding his ballot access. The disruption caused by his withdrawals has the potential to erode public trust in the electoral system, which is already facing heightened scrutiny.
His recent legal maneuvers could also impact election schedules in states like Wisconsin and Michigan. In North Carolina, where ballots were already being printed when Kennedy decided to withdraw, his legal victory required the state to reprint ballots, causing delays for absentee and overseas voters.
Concerns are mounting among third-party organizations that opposed Kennedy’s candidacy, fearing that his actions may inadvertently bolster Trump’s chances in the upcoming election.
